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Top Quality Plus Great Value at Gentle Winds Beach Condo

Estate Salt River, Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands

Condo

Bedrooms3

Sleeps8

Bathrooms3

Half Baths0

Min Stay4 nights

Hi--we're Pat and Larry Knudsen, part-time residents of St. Croix and second generation owners at Gentle Winds. For over 30 years this has been our 'Caribbean Shangri'La' We love it and are pleased to introduce it to you.

With its exclusive beach and resort amenities, Gentle Winds is considered the Island's premiere vacation rental condominiums. We are on 40 beautifully landscaped acres of an estate nestled between an expansive sand beach and the verdant North Shore hills overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Gentle Winds features include two tennis courts, children's play and basket ball area, four hole pitch and put course, recreation/ping pong room, and a common Great Room, bar and library.

Then, of course, the fabulous beach and sea, extending from exciting tide pools to explore and along the sandy shore lined with chaises, and beach chairs situated to capture the best of the sun, mixed with the protective shade of palms and tiki huts. The water is inviting and protected by a coral reef that is a favorite for active snorkeling. After the ocean, step across the sand to enjoy a swim in the large free form pool, or join those relaxing at the ever-convivial Beach Shack for snacks and drinks. The food is great!

As our second home, our spacious 1850 sq.ft. condo 'Caribbean Shanrgri-La,' is fully equipped to meet all your vacation needs and cheerfully decorated throughout with lots of original art and decor from the island and our travels abroad. We are also fortunate to have restored and the continued use of many of the original furnishings created by designer Carleton Varney for Gentle Winds. A fun example is the bar cart in the entry way--feel free to help yourself and just replace what you use. We also try to keep everything as up to date as possible while in residence. Since 2011 we've added a 42' flat screen TV with satellite connection, new refrigerator with ice-maker, new stove, dishwasher, microwave and a new air conditioning compressor.

The unit throughout is designed for fun and relaxation. The main floor features a fully equipped kitchen plus washer/dryer, two dining areas (and there's another upstairs), living room with high loft ceilings, and screened sea-view lanai. The entry hall closet has sports gear for tennis, golf and basketball and the beach. For the occasional rainy spell there are games galore, lots of videos (3 DVDs), 2 TV's and a CD/tuner set. We provide free wireless internet and long distance phone within reasonable limits.

There are two downstairs bedrooms, one a king and the other two twins side-by-side. Each bedroom has a full bath. The upstairs suite features a king size bedroom and bath. It opens to a panoramic sea-view deck with a gas barbeque and dining set. Plus there's a sitting room with two convertible twin beds, and its own hillside deck and seating.

In all, we've had 11 of our family members together for various vacations and accommodated rental parties of up to eight as a 3 bedroom. However, we also have a rate schedule that conforms to the budget of couples or smaller parties only needing use of the condo as a 2 bedroom unit.

Location, Location, Location! St. Croix's North Shore between Salt River and the Carambola Hotel is the most picturesque, part of the island and known for its casual open-air dining. Once here you'll be just minutes away from the North Shore's famed SCUBA sites. There's always lots to do on St. Croix including championship golfing, duty free shopping and the islands colorful forts and historic venues. We maintain a guest directory with recommendations for dining, shopping and sight seeing. Highlights include snorkeling at Buck Island, the forts at Christiansted and Fredericksted, Whim Plantation, and St. George Botanical Garden.

Gentle Winds is adjacent to the Salt River Bay National Park (you can easily walk to the Visitor Center next door) for informative overviews of Columbus Landing, site of his fleet's stopover on his second voyage in 1493-- and the first skirmish between Europeans and the indigenous Indians.

But most of all, let us share with you the carefree joys of Gentle Winds, its wonderful beach and our 'Caribbean Shangri-La.'

Pat and Larry

Owner

Larry Knudsen

Member Since 2012

Response rate:

100%

Response time:

within one day

Speaks:

English

Calendar last updated:

Aug 13, 2018

About Larry Knudsen

We have traveled from Southern California to St. Croix for over 30 years. We are second generation owners of our Gentle Winds condo and our grandchildren are now the fourth generation of a family that loves to be on-island whenever possible. Our son and daughter learned to play golf at Carambola, and they also learned to drive there (which was pretty scary). The five grand kids have picked up their folks delight in setting up an aquarium for little fish from the tide-pools, not to mention a fondness for hermit crab races. We look forward to the time they can join us on our SCUBA trips!
We take great pride in the Gentle Winds community. Larry is immediate past president of the GW Condo Association Board. In addition to the Board's administration of GW's $1.2 million operating and maintenance budget, he was instrumental in implementing a major rehabilitation of the Great Room, bar and recreation areas for all to enjoy. Pat is an avid traveler and collector of art and whimsy.

Larry Knudsen purchased this Condo in 1996

Why Larry Knudsen chose Estate Salt River

St.Croix's North Shore is ideally located almost midway between Chistiansted and Fredericksted and only 15 minutes from the airport. Gentle Winds is the North Shore's only private community that is right on the water with its own beach. It's within easy walking distance to the Salt River Marina and close to dive sites both there and at Cane Bay.
Gentle Winds has nine condo buildings (none taller than a palm tree); our condo is situated just above those facing the pool area.
We have great views up the coast and are less than a minute's walk further to the beach. However, as our second home, its location is more peaceful and less hotel-like. And that's what we like--you will too.

What makes this Condo unique

Our unique benefits can be summed up from some the reviews posted this year
'The best part when we arrived was the setup of their condo. You can tell they really have a unique style and passion for the island lifestyle. Their unit was creatively decorated and came with all amenities one would need'. 03/03/2012
'Staylng at Pat and Larry's is like staying at your own home away from home but with lots more beautiful art. They even had extra pillows in case you liked extra soft or extra firm. There was even a vase of fresh flowers to welcome us.' 01/25/2012
'I've never written a review before, but after this wonderful week's vacation, I felt compelled. We stayed in Gentle Winds Condo D6 and could not have been happier with our choice. Firstly, the condo was priced less than those which were slightly nearer the beach, but also had a full 3rd bedroom and 3rd bathroom, which was more than offered for a higher price in other condos.The view was very nice and the condo was only a 45 second walk further away from the beach than the nearest ones.' 05/06/2011
'We highly recommend staying in this unit for a great central location that worked well for a mix of age groups. Thank you Larry & Pat, we will be back.' 10/23/2011

Amenities

Internet

Air Conditioning

Satellite or Cable

Children Welcome

Washer & Dryer

TV

No Smoking

Bedrooms

3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8

King size beds (2) Located in master suite and seaside BR, Twin or Single Beds (4) Two twins are side by side for additional king size in landside BR.&#x0D;
Two twins are sectioned in the master suite sitting room, Baby Cribs (1) One folding porta-crib is available

Bathrooms

3 Bathrooms

3

Location Type

Ocean View

General

Telephone

(2)

Air Conditioning

Central air plus separate unit in Master suite. Eight living spaces also have ceiling fans.

Linens Provided

Washing Machine

Clothes Dryer

Broadband Access

Excellent coverage at condo and throughout Gentle Winds

Wireless Internet

Free wireless

Parking Off Street

Secure parking directly in front of the Condo

Free Long Distance

Within reasonable limite

Kitchen

Dishwasher

Refrigerator

Large capacity with ice maker

Microwave

Cooking Utensils

Fully equipped with all you'd need including blenders, coffee maker, sandwich/panini grill, and extra large pots for lobster!

CD's for stereo changer in living room--jazz, standards, classic and calypso

Video Library

Large number of kid's videos and selection of old movie

Outside

Outdoor Grill

Deck / Patio

(2) Decks on both seaside and landside upper floor

Lanai / Gazebo

Screened gallery on seaside, ideal for dining

Suitability

limited accessibility

There are apporoximately eight steps from the walk to the condo landing.

Pool / Spa

Communal Pool

The GW pool was totally renovated in 2011. Olympic size, but not square

Attractions

museums

arboretum

churches

cinemas

duty free shops

library

marina

botanical garden

playground

live theater

restaurants

ruins

synagogues

health/beauty spa

festivals

Leisure Activities

paddle boating

walking

antiquing

eco tourism

beachcombing

bird watching

gambling casinos

horseback riding

sight seeing

scenic drives

boating

shelling

shopping

shuffleboard

photography

Local Services & Businesses

ATM/bank

groceries

hospital

medical services

Sports & Adventure Activities

deepsea fishing

swimming

sailing

cycling

golf

wind-surfing

scuba diving or snorkeling

tennis

hiking

jet skiing

snorkeling

basketball court

kayaking

snorkeling/diving

Notes

You are welcomed into the condo with our traditional bar cart and welcome to enjoy it (please replenish as needed). All part of a decor celebrating the art and lifestyle of the islands. These are combined with original pieces collected from our travels near and far to create a colorful, engaging ambiance we know you'll enjoy as much as we do.

6 Reviews

Exceptional5/5

1 - 6 of 6

Great place to stay! Peaceful, well equipped.

5/5

Stayed May 2018

James R.

The place was really nice plenty of room and everything we needed. Owners were very easy to work with. Grounds are beautiful pool was wonderful beach was wonderful can't say enough good things. Would definitely stay again.

Submitted Jun 2, 2018

Owner's Response:

We appreciate the positive feedback--and especially to know our condo is once again in top shape for rentals following last fall's hurricane. Simply said, "There's no place like Gentle Winds!"

Fantastic!

5/5

Stayed Jul 2018

Scott C.Celina

This was my 8th trip to St Croix for a locums assignment at hospital. This was the nicest place so far!. The location and amenities were great. The condo had everything we needed. Plenty of towels and kitchen items. A six pack of Diet Coke and and bottled water in the fridge after arriving late in the evening was such a nice touch. Linens, pillows, and furniture were all high quality. The land line was such a blessing for me to have to insure uninterrupted communication. The wifi was great, and the Direct TV had plenty of prime channels.

We felt like we were staying at friend's vacation home, not a spartan rental. We did our best to treat the condo like it was our own. Thank you Larry. I hope to stay there again.

Submitted Jul 29, 2018

Great Place to stay in St. Croix

5/5

Stayed Jun 2018

Dennis C.

This is a great place to stay in St. Croix. With 3 BDRM there is plenty of room. Comfortable beds. Nice kitchen and common area. Great pool and beach. You are away from the masses of the 2 cities on the island but neither is very far away, though you do need a care. Would stay there again.

Submitted Jul 10, 2018

Another great trip

5/5

Stayed Apr 2015

redeyeOCNJ

Let me start of by saying Pat and Larry are wonderful to deal with.

We've been traveling to St Croix for 28 years. Our preference is being on the north shore. It's a short drive to both towns and many attractions on the island. The first time we rented this unit was in October of 2011. We took a chance having never rented a condo on the internet before.

WE LOVE THIS UNIT!

We've returned every year since, sometimes a couple of times a year.

The condo is well equipped and fancifully decorated. It's a celebration in of itself. The grounds are extremely well taken care of and there is plenty to do. There's a great beach and pool area, with a nice little beach/snack bar. There is also a chipping course and tennis courts as well.

It is a short drive to many great restaurants along Northshore Rd.

We will continue to return here; till we move to the island (just under 3 years).

Submitted Jul 1, 2015

Escaped for a while.....

5/5

Stayed Mar 2014

Laura M.

My family,(my husband myself, and our late teen aged children) and I have just returned from a week in St. Croix--college and high school Spring Break. We had an amazing week, the weather was wonderful and the pace of life was great! One of the very best things about being back on St. Croix was staying at Gentle Winds. The complex was very well kept, the neighbors were friendly and helpful, but not intrusive, the beach was beautiful, quiet and not crowded even once during the week, the pool and snack bar only added to the water front experience, and the gated community made us feel completely safe. I cannot think of one negative thing about Gentle Winds. We stayed in Unit D6 and were very comfortable there. The unit was as described and as pictured on the VRBO website. We found everything we expected and more. We felt like guests in a home rather than vactioners at generic resort. Everything we needed was there from the minute we arrived. I was told that the house would have staples and a few things to get us stated, and it did. It was really great to walk in, open the refrigerator and find a cold bolttle of water!

Location, Location, Location....Gentle Winds is well situated on the island. It was about a 20 minute trip to Christianstead were we shopped, dined, and departed for our snorkeling trip to Buck Island. It was also just about 25 minutes to Frederickstead. We didn't have far to drive to visit the Botanical Gardens, the Cruzan Rum factory or anything else we wanted to do. It was just about perfect. As for the unit within the complex, I loved that location, too. Being on top of the hill allowed for wonderful breezes and great views. Even from the front deck at the unit, which faced away from the water, the view of the hills at night was great. Maybe my favorite place for a night cap :), if not my favorite a close second to the hammock on the beach!

I had never used VRBO to rent a vacation property before. I was a bit uncertain, but working with Larry and Pat was great. Communication was clear, easy, and prompt right down to the e-mail we received after the vacation welcoming us back home and letting us know that the security deposit check was in the mail.

Overall, an A+ experience!! I would reccommed VRBO to anyone who asked, and would happily and whole heartedly reccommend a week at Gentle Winds and Unit D6.

Thanks Larry and Pat for your part in making our week amazing, relaxing, and better than we imagined.

Submitted Mar 19, 2014

A slice of Paradise

5/5

Stayed Aug 2013

BarbVirginia

We just spent a glorious week in St. Croix. Gentle Winds is a perfect place to stay on the island, you are pretty much right in the middle of the island. Gentle Winds has a nice pool with a food shack that had delicious food for lunch or early dinner. Gentle Winds had a great beach and bring your snorkel and fins because you can snorkel right off the surf. It was great! Larry and Pat's condo was very accomodating, spacious and comfortable, I have highly recommended it to my friends already. Larry gave us great information about the condo and island before we arrived making for a smooth arrival and settling in. We had 3 young adults with us who totally enjoyed having so much to do with the putting greens, tennis courts, and basketball courts. People working at the condo complex were friendly also.